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Aberdeen have won a top UEFA prize that rewards outstanding grassroots work.

The Premiership outfit found their work in the community highlighted after they engaged over 20,000 people across their huge patch, winning the Best Professional Football Club gong at the 2019 UEFA Grassroots Awards.

And with 25% of Scotland's land mass and 10% of the population to cover their achievements are no mean feat.

Projects have three main themes: football for life, education and healthy communities as the club works in tandem with the SFA in an attempt to grow participation in the region.

Steven Sweeney, community operations manager at Aberdeen said: “What price can you put on people feeling better about themselves, and using football as a tool to do that?”

“It’s our responsibility as a football club to reach every part of the community.”

“I think what we have got is unique, it’s quite innovative, and I think it’s best practice. The approach is simple. it’s just about good people trying to do their best to make a difference to grassroots football.”

“I think part of it is the genuine family feel that we have at the club, authentic community spirit that goes deeper than the football club - so that’s why we’re so determined to share the success and celebrate it together with the club’s supporters, all of our community partners, our city, our region, and Scottish football as a whole.”

Aberdeen took to Twitter to express their delight at the award, stating: "Fantastic recognition for the work that is being carried out by our partner charity AFC Community Trust to provide support and opportunity throughout our region!"